Install KitKat-compatible TWRP Recovery on Galaxy Grand 2

Getting and using a custom recovery image on any Android based device is a must, especially if you are used with custom operations or if you want to use complex apps from Google Play or from other sources. So, you have to install a custom recovery on your Samsung Galaxy Grand 2. Unfortunately, in most situations, you will have to repeat this operation after applying any new OTA update, meaning that in our case you have to find a custom recovery that is compatible with the latest version of Android firmware which is KitKat 4.4.2 or above.

So, in order to help you out, during the guidelines from below I will show you how to flash the latest version of TWRP recovery on your Galaxy Grand 2 G7102. Of course this TWRP recovery system is now compatible with KitKat OS, so you can safely apply the same on your smartphone. As you might know, replacing the stock recovery with a custom one will imply in applying dedicated steps and a manual installation process. Thus, the same is happening here, on this tutorial. Also, in our case we will be using Odin for completing the flashing operation, so you will not have to use any other complex or risky software.

Odin is an official program developed and offered by Samsung and compatible only with Samsung branded devices. With Odin you will install the TWRP recovery file on your Galaxy Grand 2 – the process can be completed in a minute or less as the tool will do all the work for you. Anyway, even though you will be using an official program for completing this guide, you must keep in mind that flashing a custom recovery isn’t an official operation. Why? Well, let’s explain first what you should understand when talking about TWRP recovery.

When you first buy a new Android smartphone or tablet, it is delivered with a locked system and installed with various factory and default restrictions. These restrictions are preventing unauthorized access and are limiting your actions. The same is happening with your Galaxy Grand 2 which is having a locked system. Now, if you want to unchain the full potential of your phone, you need to remove the restrictions and gain access to the Android OS. Thus, root access will be required. But, that’s not all; you will have access to the internal system, though it will be hard to interact with the same for completing further custom procedures.

So, here is when the custom recovery image comes in handy. Basically, TWRP recovery establishes a connectiong between you and your Galaxy Grand 2 internal system. So, by using TWRP recovery you will be able to install a custom ROM firmware, like CM11, AOKP or ParanoidAndroid, install a custom kernel, overclock your Android device, remove bloatware, add new features, personalize the KitKat OS, customize the performances, upgrade the battery life and lot more. Of course, this is possible only by making changes within the internal system of your Grand 2.

Thus, this is an unofficial operation and by completing the same you will lose the warranty of your phone. That means, you won’t be able to reclaim your warranty if you will have to take your device back to service for technical inspection (you will have to pay for these services and it might get quite expensive). Bottom line, if something bad happens, and let’s say you manage to soft brick your Grand 2, you first have to try to manually fix your bricked Android device by following dedicated troubleshoot solutions.

Also, since this is a manual installation process, before beginning to flash KitKat compatible TWRP recovery on your Samsung Galaxy Grand 2, consider in backing up your data and personal info and accounts. In that matter, if something bad happens (like a boot loop – you will have to wipe your phone’s system in order to fix this issue) your data will be in safe hands. Thus, use backup and restore apps from Google Play and a cloud service and save your contacts, market apps, internet settings, EFS folder, text messages, call logs, images, videos, audio files and everything else you might need afterwards.

At the same time make sure you can use a Windows powered computer, your Galaxy Grand 2 and its USB cable. On your computer you need to install the Galaxy Grand 2 USB drivers, so you might want to use Samsung KIES in that matter. Also, from your computer it is recommended to temporarily deactivate the antivirus and any other security protection, because these tools might interfere with our work. On your phone you have to enable the USB debugging option – you can do that from “menu – settings – developer options” and you have to check the battery status – if the power left is less than 50% you need to plug in the charger (if your device gets turned off while trying to install TWRP recovery, it might also get bricked).

Do note that this is a dedicated tutorial which is compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 model number G7102. In case you have a different or similar smartphone / tablet use another guide and not the steps from below as you can end up in messing things up.

How to Install KitKat-compatible TWRP Recovery on Galaxy Grand 2

On your computer install Odin and the TWRP recovery file (you can get it from here); also don’t forget to install the Galaxy Grand 2 USB drivers.

Unzip Odin on desktop and install the program by following the on screen prompts.

Unzip the custom recovery image and place the resulted file on desktop, or on the same folder as Odin.

Run Odin on your computer.

Enter your Galaxy Grand 2 in download mode; in order to do so, first turn off your device and then press and hold power, volume down and home buttons at the same time.

Connect your smartphone with your computer via USB cord.

Odin will establish a connection with your Grand 2 – the “added” message will be displayed and the ID:COM section will turn yellow or blue – if not, you should try to reinstall the drivers on your computer; then repeat the steps from above until everything works as explained.

From Odin now select the “PA” option and pick the TWRP recovery file.

Click on “start” and don’t make any other changes on the program – just wait while the flashing process is completed.

In the end, on Odin the “pass” message will be displayed and the ID:COM section will turn green.

Unplug the USB cord and reboot your phone.

Note: if after completing the steps from above, your Grand 2 gets stuck in a boot loop, enter recovery mode on your Android device. From recovery select “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”. In the end, from main menu of recovery choose “reboot system now”.
Note 2: if during the flashing process, Odin gets stuck, you need to: close the program and unplug the USB cable; reinstall the drivers on your computer; force restart your Grand 2; repeat the steps from above and retry to install the custom recovery image.

Good job; that was all for now. You have successfully installed KitKat compatible TWRP recovery on your Samsung Galaxy Grand 2. If you have questions or if you want to talk with our team and with other Android users, don’t hesitate and share your thoughts with us by using the comments field from below.